New Delhi, May 6, 2025 – In response to heightened tensions with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states to conduct nationwide civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025. The exercise, described as a pan-India initiative, aims to bolster preparedness for potential emergencies while reassuring the public that the drills are not intended to incite panic.
Pan-India Civil Defence Exercise
Director General of Civil Defence Vivek Srivastava announced that the mock drills, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, will be conducted across all districts, marking a significant escalation from routine exercises. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Srivastava stated, “We have been doing these civil defence drills in districts on a regular basis but this time it will be pan-India. The exercise could spread out over a couple of days.”
Unlike the last major drill held in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, in December 2024, officials emphasized that the upcoming exercise is “different” in scope and scale, designed to test operational readiness in vulnerable districts nationwide. Authorities clarified that the initiative is a precautionary measure to revisit and strengthen standard operating procedures (SOPs) for civil defence, governed by the Civil Defence Act.
Components of the Mock Drill
The drills, led by District Magistrates (DMs) or district collectors as nodal officers, will involve multiple stakeholders, including civil defence volunteers, local authorities, and civilians. Key components include:
Volunteer Mobilization
Starting May 7, DMs will update lists of civil defence volunteers, ensuring accurate contact details for rapid deployment in emergencies. A senior official in charge of civil defence told CNN-News18, “The list should be at the ready disposal of the DM to deploy the volunteers in times of emergency.”
Air Raid Warning Systems
A critical focus will be testing air raid warning sirens, essential for alerting civilians during crises. “It is the first step which warns civilians in an emergency situation. The Air Force sounds the alert and each district must ensure that its air raid warning sirens are functioning properly,” a civil defence official explained to CNN-News18.
Community Bunkers and Evacuation
In forward areas like Uri in Kashmir, preparations are underway to ready community bunkers for civilian use. Students in border regions, such as Arnia, have already practiced evacuation drills. The senior official underscored the importance of civilian preparedness, stating, “It is a requirement under the Geneva convention to protect civilians in times of war. So we must empower them, train them to protect themselves. The last such training was in 1999 and before that in 1971. Most young people of this generation are unaware of such a situation. Hence the necessity of the drill.”
Blackout Procedures
The drills will also test blackout protocols. “If a blackout siren is sounded, the standard operating procedure must be followed. The drill will assess whether the sirens are working and how effectively people respond. All stakeholders should be well-versed with the SOP,” officials noted.
Protection of Vital Installations
Under the Civil Defence Act, a codified list of vital installations—such as defence facilities, paramilitary bases, hospitals, and strategic sites—will be prioritized for protection. “There is no scope for interpretation here. The list will be available to all concerned and as soon as the order comes everyone will have to work together to ensure that the vital installations as mentioned in the list are protected,” officials affirmed.
Civilian and Institutional Training
The exercise will familiarize civilians, students, and hospital staff with civil defence volunteers’ instructions. Evacuation plans will be reviewed with institutional authorities to ensure seamless coordination during emergencies.
Context of Escalating Tensions
The drills come amid uncertainty over India’s next steps following the Pahalgam attack, attributed to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has responded with punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari-Wagah border, and imposing trade and diplomatic restrictions on Pakistan. The nationwide civil defence exercise signals India’s intent to prepare for any eventuality, including potential escalation along the Line of Control.
Authorities stressed that the drills are a proactive step to enhance resilience, not a cause for alarm. The multi-stakeholder exercise aims to train civilians and test operational efficacy in vulnerable districts, ensuring India is equipped to protect its citizens in the face of rising regional tensions.
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